[Letter from 8/3/11]
Ciao Ciao!
How is everyone?! I am just going crazy with anticipation right now. I
want to be in Italy so bad, but at the same time, I am so nervous to
get there and not understand anyone! It will be a huge change, but I
know that the Lord will be there with me the whole time.
So I am leaving the MTC at 4 am on Tuesday the 9th. Our flight to
Chicago leaves at 7:15 and we will arrive in chicago around 11:15
their time. I have a 6 hour layover there until London and then to
Rome. I plan on calling home while in chicago. Not sure what time that
will be for you all, but I will call then.
Mom, could you dear elder me phone numbers for Brit, Parker, and Dad
if he isn't going to be home when I call. If you could get the family
to be around when I call, then that would be ideal. THen I can talk to
everyone at once. ALso, would you prefer me call the cell phone or the
house?
This last week has been really tough to stay focused on learning
because we are all just so excited to go to Italy. Our teachers are
even getting excited for us and have been bringing pictures and
telling more stories and such. I can't believe I get to go to such a
beautiful and historic place. I couldn't imagine a place I would
rather go to. And the food will be so good...especially compared to
cafeteria here. But even better will be the people. I can't wait to
meet the people. I've heard they are such open, loving, friendly
people. Serving them will be so amazing!
I don't think anythnig really big happened this week. I got called to
speak in church this last sunday. It was on repentance. It was in only
Italian, but I read most of it...except for my testimony.
Crazy connection...I met this sister in gym the other day who looked
familiar. She said the same thing, so we started talking. She's from
Phoenix. Goes to ASU. We met on a group date last summer. It was
pretty crazy, because she has pictures of me. Small world. Her name is
Jen Jones. (Mark Stoker, you should recognize that name if you are
reading this.)
Also, I am going to send a package to this place called Post Mart.
It's address is 2250 N. University Pkwy (near shopko). The number is
801-373-5900. It's free to send packaged from the MTC there and then
when it is arrived, they call the person I'm sending it to. I'm going
to send it to Brittany. So I NEED brit's number ASAP and address and
I'll just send stuff to here and you can get it when you come to utah
or something mom. Okay? This way we save money.
That's about the end of this week. My love for the gospel is only
growing and I just get more and more excited to go share it to the
Italiani. Today was our last day at the temple for 14 months. So sad.
Oh well...I'll go right when I get home.
K love you all!!
Sorella Heiner
P.S. If anyone wants to write me real letters, send them to my mission
address because they probably won't get here in time.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
2 weeks left!
[Letter from 7/27/11]
Buon Giorno!
So I think this week wasn't very eventful, but here are the highlights...
We got new missionaries on Wednesday. There are 12 of them, 3 of which are sisters. All three of the sisters know some Italian, so they understand a lot of what we say when we speak Italian. One of those sisters was actually in my Italian 101 class at BYU freshman year. She continued to take Italian, where I didn't. But that was kind of fun. The Anziani said they weren't surprised we knew each other because apparently I know everyone. I just don't think they realize that I'm from Mesa (high amount of members) and went to BYU for 3 years...so I have had more time to meet people and make connections.
Speaking of people I do know, remember Dani High's ex-boyfriend, Braedon Lyons. He is here...I've seen him once, but didn't talk to him. Really shocking to see him. So Dani and Kaori, if you read this, write me back in talk to me further about this because it's crazy to me.
Rachel Kiene left on Monday. We got some last minute pictures and exchanged mission addresses. Super excited for her!
Thursday night I got to train the new missionaries with the zone leaders. It was kind of fun actually, but the branch president made me contact a sister in Italian in front of everyone for an example and then he made me say the closing prayer. I was really nervous to mess up or something, but he said I did really well under the pressure and my Italian sounds beautiful...doesn't mean I don't get nervous saying it though. I'm also sure I am going to speak in church this Sunday because I am the only sister who hasn't spoken yet and It's our last real sacrament meeting before we leave. Unfortunately, we don't find out if we are speaking until they are at the podium announcing the program. Kind of stressful, but I am pretty used to it now.
Monday night, at 2:15 a.m. the fire alarm in our building went off. It scared me so bad and I felt like the mom making sure all my sisters were awake and safely out of the building. We waited outside for like 15 minutes until a security guard told us we could go back in. Then the alarm went off again Tuesday evening. They said it was a malfunction in the alarm system and they fixed it. Let's hope so, because I was sure cranky on Tuesday from mission a lot of my sleep.
The temple opened yesterday and we got to do a session today! :-) I only get to go to the temple one more time for the next 16 months. Sad...
Happy Birthday Kendra Kae Ahlstrom!!! Hope you enjoy it! Write me!! (give this to kendra or relay the message please mom.)
Also, mom, thanks for sending me the e-mails of my friends. It's been so great to hear from them. They make me so excited to get out in the field.
Well, we are in the final stretch and we get our flight plans tomorrow. It felt like this day would never come, but now it is almost here. I am nervous but so excited to get out and serve the italian people. I love this gospel and I love getting to share it with others. I love getting to learn about it every day and strengthen my testimony by sharing it. I am so grateful to have this opportunity and have been able to meet the people I have. I am sad that half of my district is going to the Milan mission because I just love them all so much. These boys are definitely 19, but the things they do and say often remind me that they are servants of God and able to take part in the most important work on the earth. It's exciting to know that we get to take part in bringing Salvation unto the souls of those around us. I know Jesus lives and loves us and suffered for us because he loves us. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God who restored this Gospel and translated the precious, sacred book of mormon. I love the prophet today and can't wait to invite others to follow his counsel and watch him at General Conference in October! Always remember that God is only a prayer away and is waiting to give us answers, love, guidance, and blessings. Just come unto him and be willing to submit to his will and follow the commandments. By doing this, we can recieve eternal happiness and joy with those we love!
Love always,
Sorella Heiner
Buon Giorno!
So I think this week wasn't very eventful, but here are the highlights...
We got new missionaries on Wednesday. There are 12 of them, 3 of which are sisters. All three of the sisters know some Italian, so they understand a lot of what we say when we speak Italian. One of those sisters was actually in my Italian 101 class at BYU freshman year. She continued to take Italian, where I didn't. But that was kind of fun. The Anziani said they weren't surprised we knew each other because apparently I know everyone. I just don't think they realize that I'm from Mesa (high amount of members) and went to BYU for 3 years...so I have had more time to meet people and make connections.
Speaking of people I do know, remember Dani High's ex-boyfriend, Braedon Lyons. He is here...I've seen him once, but didn't talk to him. Really shocking to see him. So Dani and Kaori, if you read this, write me back in talk to me further about this because it's crazy to me.
Rachel Kiene left on Monday. We got some last minute pictures and exchanged mission addresses. Super excited for her!
Thursday night I got to train the new missionaries with the zone leaders. It was kind of fun actually, but the branch president made me contact a sister in Italian in front of everyone for an example and then he made me say the closing prayer. I was really nervous to mess up or something, but he said I did really well under the pressure and my Italian sounds beautiful...doesn't mean I don't get nervous saying it though. I'm also sure I am going to speak in church this Sunday because I am the only sister who hasn't spoken yet and It's our last real sacrament meeting before we leave. Unfortunately, we don't find out if we are speaking until they are at the podium announcing the program. Kind of stressful, but I am pretty used to it now.
Monday night, at 2:15 a.m. the fire alarm in our building went off. It scared me so bad and I felt like the mom making sure all my sisters were awake and safely out of the building. We waited outside for like 15 minutes until a security guard told us we could go back in. Then the alarm went off again Tuesday evening. They said it was a malfunction in the alarm system and they fixed it. Let's hope so, because I was sure cranky on Tuesday from mission a lot of my sleep.
The temple opened yesterday and we got to do a session today! :-) I only get to go to the temple one more time for the next 16 months. Sad...
Happy Birthday Kendra Kae Ahlstrom!!! Hope you enjoy it! Write me!! (give this to kendra or relay the message please mom.)
Also, mom, thanks for sending me the e-mails of my friends. It's been so great to hear from them. They make me so excited to get out in the field.
Well, we are in the final stretch and we get our flight plans tomorrow. It felt like this day would never come, but now it is almost here. I am nervous but so excited to get out and serve the italian people. I love this gospel and I love getting to share it with others. I love getting to learn about it every day and strengthen my testimony by sharing it. I am so grateful to have this opportunity and have been able to meet the people I have. I am sad that half of my district is going to the Milan mission because I just love them all so much. These boys are definitely 19, but the things they do and say often remind me that they are servants of God and able to take part in the most important work on the earth. It's exciting to know that we get to take part in bringing Salvation unto the souls of those around us. I know Jesus lives and loves us and suffered for us because he loves us. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God who restored this Gospel and translated the precious, sacred book of mormon. I love the prophet today and can't wait to invite others to follow his counsel and watch him at General Conference in October! Always remember that God is only a prayer away and is waiting to give us answers, love, guidance, and blessings. Just come unto him and be willing to submit to his will and follow the commandments. By doing this, we can recieve eternal happiness and joy with those we love!
Love always,
Sorella Heiner
Yay more time!
[Addendum to her 7/20/11 letter]
So an Anziano had some extra time and said I could use it, so here is the rest of what I wanted to say.
Dad: I loved the story and parable about the drill battery. I read it to the elders and one of them could follow what you were saying. I said that is exactly what you are like. You in a nutshell: brilliant and profound and always thinking aobut hte gospel in some way or another. Reminded me of the 10 virgins, and how our oil lamps are always burning (spiritual power/testi8monies) and we need to constantly add to them by day to day righteous living.
Parker: Brent and Kim are getting married! Yay! Tell her congrats. Congrats on the new calling and getting to work at the temple again. I'm quite jealous of that!
Brit: Finally! I thought you forgot about me! thanks for the packages. They are exactly what I've needed, especially the face stuff. Cordon Bleu is here almost every week and a favorite all over. We don't go to the gym Weds because it's p-day. Temple session at 11 though! Your new BOM reading sounds great! I've decided to read the BOM at least once every week! I love that book with all my heart. I know that through the spirit and the BOM, I can convert any person. They are such powerful tools in the gospel and in conversion!
LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Ciao!
So an Anziano had some extra time and said I could use it, so here is the rest of what I wanted to say.
Dad: I loved the story and parable about the drill battery. I read it to the elders and one of them could follow what you were saying. I said that is exactly what you are like. You in a nutshell: brilliant and profound and always thinking aobut hte gospel in some way or another. Reminded me of the 10 virgins, and how our oil lamps are always burning (spiritual power/testi8monies) and we need to constantly add to them by day to day righteous living.
Parker: Brent and Kim are getting married! Yay! Tell her congrats. Congrats on the new calling and getting to work at the temple again. I'm quite jealous of that!
Brit: Finally! I thought you forgot about me! thanks for the packages. They are exactly what I've needed, especially the face stuff. Cordon Bleu is here almost every week and a favorite all over. We don't go to the gym Weds because it's p-day. Temple session at 11 though! Your new BOM reading sounds great! I've decided to read the BOM at least once every week! I love that book with all my heart. I know that through the spirit and the BOM, I can convert any person. They are such powerful tools in the gospel and in conversion!
LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Ciao!
3 weeks left!
[Chelsea's letter from 7/20/11]
Ciao Tutti!
Well I don't have much time, so this might be short.
Friday I finally got the package! My district elders would try to trick me every day of whether it came or not. I wanted to hit them so bad because they would get my hopes up and they were just lying. Oh well, when the package came and they saw all the candy, they were really apologetic. The favorite was Australian Licorice. It's gone. It was gone the first day. If you could send more, that would be amazing because seriously EVERYONE loves it and asks for more. Thank you mom and brit for the package.
Saturday: Our fake investigator, "Jlenia" finally agreed to come to church on Sunday! It made us SO happy! Saturday night we did a stress management class and got to run a lap around the MTC with our shoes off. The other missionaries gave us weird looks, but it was so fun!
Sunday I interviewed with the first counselor in my branch presidency and he told me my italian is much more advanced than it usually is for missionaries at our time. That made me feel good.
Monday: Our teacher brother bullock came back finally. It took him over two weeks to recover from West Nile Virus.
Tuesday we got "transferred" from our area and had to say bye to our investigator. It was sad. But we found out that ours wants to get baptized but her parents are against it. She's only 16. She's going to talk to her parents soon about it.
Happy B-day KIETH!!!!! Love you little bro!
Tell dustin hi and congrats for me. Amira sounds like she is growing up so much and becoming even more funny. Yes mom, i am feeling better. we got three new sisters today and 9 elders for the italian branch. We haven't met any of them yet, we'll meet them tonight. I have to give them orientation tonight.
Hayley!!! Tell me what the baby is! Congrats ahead of time!
Yes mom, orange top needs sleeves fixed. the mtc has a cello i can use also.
Well time is about gone, don't e-mail me long e-mails. Send them trhough dear elder because they take too long to read and then i don't have time for e-mailing back. I will write back everyone through normal letters.
I love hearing from all of you and I pray for you every day! You are all amazing!
Love always,
Sorella Heiner
p.s. some older missionaries had their parents send them phones for calling at the airports and they just mailed the phones back later, but i don't know if that's allowed./ Maybe you could send me a calling card so I can use the pay phones to talk to you?? What do you think?
3 weeks 'til ITALY!!!!!!!
Ciao Tutti!
Well I don't have much time, so this might be short.
Friday I finally got the package! My district elders would try to trick me every day of whether it came or not. I wanted to hit them so bad because they would get my hopes up and they were just lying. Oh well, when the package came and they saw all the candy, they were really apologetic. The favorite was Australian Licorice. It's gone. It was gone the first day. If you could send more, that would be amazing because seriously EVERYONE loves it and asks for more. Thank you mom and brit for the package.
Saturday: Our fake investigator, "Jlenia" finally agreed to come to church on Sunday! It made us SO happy! Saturday night we did a stress management class and got to run a lap around the MTC with our shoes off. The other missionaries gave us weird looks, but it was so fun!
Sunday I interviewed with the first counselor in my branch presidency and he told me my italian is much more advanced than it usually is for missionaries at our time. That made me feel good.
Monday: Our teacher brother bullock came back finally. It took him over two weeks to recover from West Nile Virus.
Tuesday we got "transferred" from our area and had to say bye to our investigator. It was sad. But we found out that ours wants to get baptized but her parents are against it. She's only 16. She's going to talk to her parents soon about it.
Happy B-day KIETH!!!!! Love you little bro!
Tell dustin hi and congrats for me. Amira sounds like she is growing up so much and becoming even more funny. Yes mom, i am feeling better. we got three new sisters today and 9 elders for the italian branch. We haven't met any of them yet, we'll meet them tonight. I have to give them orientation tonight.
Hayley!!! Tell me what the baby is! Congrats ahead of time!
Yes mom, orange top needs sleeves fixed. the mtc has a cello i can use also.
Well time is about gone, don't e-mail me long e-mails. Send them trhough dear elder because they take too long to read and then i don't have time for e-mailing back. I will write back everyone through normal letters.
I love hearing from all of you and I pray for you every day! You are all amazing!
Love always,
Sorella Heiner
p.s. some older missionaries had their parents send them phones for calling at the airports and they just mailed the phones back later, but i don't know if that's allowed./ Maybe you could send me a calling card so I can use the pay phones to talk to you?? What do you think?
3 weeks 'til ITALY!!!!!!!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Week 5 Summary
[Chelsea's letter from July 13th.]
Ciao ciao ciao!!
Today is the beginning of week 6 for me! How crazy is that! We get new italian missionaries in a week! I will be in Italy in 4 weeks from today! I am starting to really freak out!
So sorella foote is gone now and we've had to adjust to the change of being in a regualar duo now. It's been a big relief though. She wrote me yesterday and sounds positive and optimistic for the future. She is still struggling, but she is starting to figure out how to get better and that is what is important. I think because I was so stressed about Slla. Foote that Thursday morning I woke up feeling really sick. I think it was my body crashing after all the stress and finally having it lifted and not knowing what to do. But I just slept for a couple hours and felt better and went on with the day. I have been so tired though, but that just means I'm really on a mission, right?
We got a new "investigator" last week and it is a divorced man with a 12 year old son. He really likes the standards of our church, but says his job is too bad for him to join our church and makes him a bad man and can't pray to god. We were too scared to ask what his job was. He kept asking why christ had to suffer for us to be repented of our sins. It really caused me to study that out and come up with scriptures for it. I found in Alma 7:11-12 about the atonement how not only did christ suffer so he knows what we feel like, but so he knew how to help us get through these things. It changed my perspective on the atonement.
One of our teachers, Fratello Bullock, has been sick for a whole week now. He has West Nile Virus. We still haven't seen him yet. Pretty scary. Let's pray that none of us missionaries get it. And I really hope fllo. bullock gets better soon.
Our gym is getting refinished and so it's closed for ten days! The whole place smells like paint and we're all forced to go outside for gym. It's not fun. Also, the temple is closed for cleaning til the end of this month. I can't believe the two most sacred placed for missionaries are closed. It's driving me crazy!!
Now that we are halfway through the mtc, we are only speaking italian in our classes. It's tough, but we're learning alot faster. Really cool. I also saw Ellie Hansen (Kaori's sister) at the MTC because she teaches here and her parents were coming to volunteer at the TRC. I waited around and saw them for a little bit. It was so great! They are such great people.
Monday night, Slla Dall and I found some cookies and a note in front of our bedroom door. It was super nice, but it was annonymous. We have no idea who left it for us, but it was greatly appreciated. So if you are reading this and you did it, thanks. Haha
The schedule here is getting a little old. I'm so tired of being in class all day long and then eating yucky food all day. I miss home cooked meals and the freedom to get up and walk around when I need to. Only 4 more weeks and I'll get all the good food and walking I want! Yay!!
The family reunion sounded cool. Did you see TYler Smedley? Is he dating anyone? He's such a good guy. I miss him. What's wrong with grandpa? Why did he not feel well enough to come down? I really wish I could have seen g-ma and g-pa before I left. Tell them I love them. I got a letter from grandma, she wants to get my e-mails and I keep forgetting to bring her email address so if you could email her my stuff then I think she would like that. Send them my love. I'll write her back when I have more time.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAYLEY!! You may be another year older, but you still look great. How's that pregnant belly looking? Showing bigtime? Do you know what gender it is yet? Send pictures of you and ian and Amira! Especially Amira because I miss that little girl more than I can explain. I'm even teary eyed thinking about her. Give her some big hugs and kisses from me. I hope you had a great birthday Hayley. Sorry I wasn't there. I'll send you something cool from Italy when I get there. Love you!
Tell Kendra about my blog and tell her to write me through dearelder.com please. I want to talk to her. I miss her and I'm glad she's doing well.
I knew andrew was Assistant to the pres. He has been for awhile. You should mail me some of their letters because I don't get them anymore either and I'd like to know how they are doing. also, my schedule is different every day, but the same every week. I'll mail you my schedule when I don't need it anymore. Takes too long to explain it all, but it's monotonous.
Dad, I like how you are considerate of my opinion of your clothing. Makes me laugh. You're such a great help to everyone. But don't work yourself too hard. I need a dad for alot longer and I need him as healthy as possible. K thanks. And I will be sure to take you to nicer italian restaurants when you come to italy. It is all our teachers talk about.
My package still hasn't come and it's driving me crazy! Check on britt and see if she sent it. I'm running out of patience.
Love you all,
Sorella Heiner
Ciao ciao ciao!!
Today is the beginning of week 6 for me! How crazy is that! We get new italian missionaries in a week! I will be in Italy in 4 weeks from today! I am starting to really freak out!
So sorella foote is gone now and we've had to adjust to the change of being in a regualar duo now. It's been a big relief though. She wrote me yesterday and sounds positive and optimistic for the future. She is still struggling, but she is starting to figure out how to get better and that is what is important. I think because I was so stressed about Slla. Foote that Thursday morning I woke up feeling really sick. I think it was my body crashing after all the stress and finally having it lifted and not knowing what to do. But I just slept for a couple hours and felt better and went on with the day. I have been so tired though, but that just means I'm really on a mission, right?
We got a new "investigator" last week and it is a divorced man with a 12 year old son. He really likes the standards of our church, but says his job is too bad for him to join our church and makes him a bad man and can't pray to god. We were too scared to ask what his job was. He kept asking why christ had to suffer for us to be repented of our sins. It really caused me to study that out and come up with scriptures for it. I found in Alma 7:11-12 about the atonement how not only did christ suffer so he knows what we feel like, but so he knew how to help us get through these things. It changed my perspective on the atonement.
One of our teachers, Fratello Bullock, has been sick for a whole week now. He has West Nile Virus. We still haven't seen him yet. Pretty scary. Let's pray that none of us missionaries get it. And I really hope fllo. bullock gets better soon.
Our gym is getting refinished and so it's closed for ten days! The whole place smells like paint and we're all forced to go outside for gym. It's not fun. Also, the temple is closed for cleaning til the end of this month. I can't believe the two most sacred placed for missionaries are closed. It's driving me crazy!!
Now that we are halfway through the mtc, we are only speaking italian in our classes. It's tough, but we're learning alot faster. Really cool. I also saw Ellie Hansen (Kaori's sister) at the MTC because she teaches here and her parents were coming to volunteer at the TRC. I waited around and saw them for a little bit. It was so great! They are such great people.
Monday night, Slla Dall and I found some cookies and a note in front of our bedroom door. It was super nice, but it was annonymous. We have no idea who left it for us, but it was greatly appreciated. So if you are reading this and you did it, thanks. Haha
The schedule here is getting a little old. I'm so tired of being in class all day long and then eating yucky food all day. I miss home cooked meals and the freedom to get up and walk around when I need to. Only 4 more weeks and I'll get all the good food and walking I want! Yay!!
The family reunion sounded cool. Did you see TYler Smedley? Is he dating anyone? He's such a good guy. I miss him. What's wrong with grandpa? Why did he not feel well enough to come down? I really wish I could have seen g-ma and g-pa before I left. Tell them I love them. I got a letter from grandma, she wants to get my e-mails and I keep forgetting to bring her email address so if you could email her my stuff then I think she would like that. Send them my love. I'll write her back when I have more time.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAYLEY!! You may be another year older, but you still look great. How's that pregnant belly looking? Showing bigtime? Do you know what gender it is yet? Send pictures of you and ian and Amira! Especially Amira because I miss that little girl more than I can explain. I'm even teary eyed thinking about her. Give her some big hugs and kisses from me. I hope you had a great birthday Hayley. Sorry I wasn't there. I'll send you something cool from Italy when I get there. Love you!
Tell Kendra about my blog and tell her to write me through dearelder.com please. I want to talk to her. I miss her and I'm glad she's doing well.
I knew andrew was Assistant to the pres. He has been for awhile. You should mail me some of their letters because I don't get them anymore either and I'd like to know how they are doing. also, my schedule is different every day, but the same every week. I'll mail you my schedule when I don't need it anymore. Takes too long to explain it all, but it's monotonous.
Dad, I like how you are considerate of my opinion of your clothing. Makes me laugh. You're such a great help to everyone. But don't work yourself too hard. I need a dad for alot longer and I need him as healthy as possible. K thanks. And I will be sure to take you to nicer italian restaurants when you come to italy. It is all our teachers talk about.
My package still hasn't come and it's driving me crazy! Check on britt and see if she sent it. I'm running out of patience.
Love you all,
Sorella Heiner
Week 4
[Sorry I've been lying down on the job, folks! Here's Chelsea's letter from July 6th. ~Brittany]
Ciao Tutti!
How is everyone? It is getting way too hot here. I am dreading going to the heat and humidity of Italy, yet so dang excited for Italy aside from the heat.
So this last week was crazy! My companions and I have been in and out of appointments with doctors, counselors, MTC President, his wife, District President, etc. Sorella Foote's anxiety got alot worse and they finally decided she needed to go home. And she helped make the decision too. It has been really tough for her especially, but also for us (her compnanions). She decided to leave yesterday and flew out this morning to go back home to new hampshire. It has been a sad day, but she is making the right decision I think. I've felt peace about this decision for her and she could feel a little bit of peace within the crazy thoughts in her head. She's going to get through this and may come back out to serve, but who knows. Remember her in your prayers, because she really needs it. Sorella Dall and I feel alot of relief after all of this but feel spiritually, emotionally, and physically tired. It's crazy!
Sickest thing happened this week! On Monday for dinner we were having chicken strips and i got mine and then I went to take a big bite of mine and it was harder to bite into. Then before I chewed it, I noticed the chicken was completely pink. It was RAW! All of mine were raw and I almost ate it. Yuck! So I took it back to the cooks and found about 6 other missionaries with the same problem. I can't say I have eaten some chicken since. I also ate a bowl of cereal for dinner that night. It was so gross and scary. I wonder how many people got sick from it.
Dad: right after I read your e-mail, I saw Jami Michaud. She just arrived to the MTC today. Crazy!
Mom: tan little purse is the one from Kendra. at least send the curling irons for while I am here. I will ask my teachers when I get the chance. Haven't been in class pretty much the last 7 days because of Sorella Foote, but it's okay. The Lord will make up for the lost time because I know I was doing what He needed me to do. Along with just black and white shades, some fun colored ones would be nice. I've noticed my wardrobe is very boring. How is that orange top you needed to fix? If you've fixed it, could you send it to me also. There's this thing called MTCdelivery.com and I've noticed missionaries getting boxes of Krispy Kremes and fun stuff like that. Maybe check into that and send me two dozen donuts to share with my district maybe? If not, that's fun. I just think we'd all appreciate it.
I can't wait to see the quilt you are making for Nancy. Sounds cool. And that is such a nice thing to do for her. Service is the key thing to this gospel. Service and Obedience because that is what furthers the kingdom. Thanks for the Addresses. It is great!!
I have seen Mike alot here actually. I feel like I should be allowed to hug him because he is pretty much my brother, but we haven't, so don't worry. I need to get a picture with him and Rachel. I haven't gotten any with them yet. My district ended up saving us sisters seats for the devotional last night and mine was right next to mike so I got to sit by him.
Garrett better get his Visa stuff in! I've heard of missionaries who have had to wait 10 months for their visas to go through so they went to state side missions in the meantime. That would not be very fun at all! I hope he also knows what sunscreen is and how to use it! That is going tob e something he will pay for later in his life and he won't like it.
My companion wants me to do a musical number on the cello at church and I don't have any music I like. Could you maybe copy and mail me the music for Come Thouh Fount from teh Reflections of Christ album? That would be nice.
Dad, you need to take a break and rest! You are digging your own grave right now and it's scaring me! Please take care of yourself. You can't take care of others when you aren't healthy. And remember the things that matter most...your family. The memories you spend with us are far more valuable and important than the temporal things we have. I know you need to work alot because no one else can do your job, but relationships carry on past the grave. So make them the best you can. I know that my favorite memory I have of any family thing so far was this last summer when we went to D.C. I will forever cherish those memories and hope to have more in the future. I hope the other kids can enjoy they same feelings of love and friendship as I did.
Well gotta go. I love you all!! Travel safely and look for me on the field if you ever go by the MTC.
Love always,
Sorella Heiner
Ciao Tutti!
How is everyone? It is getting way too hot here. I am dreading going to the heat and humidity of Italy, yet so dang excited for Italy aside from the heat.
So this last week was crazy! My companions and I have been in and out of appointments with doctors, counselors, MTC President, his wife, District President, etc. Sorella Foote's anxiety got alot worse and they finally decided she needed to go home. And she helped make the decision too. It has been really tough for her especially, but also for us (her compnanions). She decided to leave yesterday and flew out this morning to go back home to new hampshire. It has been a sad day, but she is making the right decision I think. I've felt peace about this decision for her and she could feel a little bit of peace within the crazy thoughts in her head. She's going to get through this and may come back out to serve, but who knows. Remember her in your prayers, because she really needs it. Sorella Dall and I feel alot of relief after all of this but feel spiritually, emotionally, and physically tired. It's crazy!
Sickest thing happened this week! On Monday for dinner we were having chicken strips and i got mine and then I went to take a big bite of mine and it was harder to bite into. Then before I chewed it, I noticed the chicken was completely pink. It was RAW! All of mine were raw and I almost ate it. Yuck! So I took it back to the cooks and found about 6 other missionaries with the same problem. I can't say I have eaten some chicken since. I also ate a bowl of cereal for dinner that night. It was so gross and scary. I wonder how many people got sick from it.
Dad: right after I read your e-mail, I saw Jami Michaud. She just arrived to the MTC today. Crazy!
Mom: tan little purse is the one from Kendra. at least send the curling irons for while I am here. I will ask my teachers when I get the chance. Haven't been in class pretty much the last 7 days because of Sorella Foote, but it's okay. The Lord will make up for the lost time because I know I was doing what He needed me to do. Along with just black and white shades, some fun colored ones would be nice. I've noticed my wardrobe is very boring. How is that orange top you needed to fix? If you've fixed it, could you send it to me also. There's this thing called MTCdelivery.com and I've noticed missionaries getting boxes of Krispy Kremes and fun stuff like that. Maybe check into that and send me two dozen donuts to share with my district maybe? If not, that's fun. I just think we'd all appreciate it.
I can't wait to see the quilt you are making for Nancy. Sounds cool. And that is such a nice thing to do for her. Service is the key thing to this gospel. Service and Obedience because that is what furthers the kingdom. Thanks for the Addresses. It is great!!
I have seen Mike alot here actually. I feel like I should be allowed to hug him because he is pretty much my brother, but we haven't, so don't worry. I need to get a picture with him and Rachel. I haven't gotten any with them yet. My district ended up saving us sisters seats for the devotional last night and mine was right next to mike so I got to sit by him.
Garrett better get his Visa stuff in! I've heard of missionaries who have had to wait 10 months for their visas to go through so they went to state side missions in the meantime. That would not be very fun at all! I hope he also knows what sunscreen is and how to use it! That is going tob e something he will pay for later in his life and he won't like it.
My companion wants me to do a musical number on the cello at church and I don't have any music I like. Could you maybe copy and mail me the music for Come Thouh Fount from teh Reflections of Christ album? That would be nice.
Dad, you need to take a break and rest! You are digging your own grave right now and it's scaring me! Please take care of yourself. You can't take care of others when you aren't healthy. And remember the things that matter most...your family. The memories you spend with us are far more valuable and important than the temporal things we have. I know you need to work alot because no one else can do your job, but relationships carry on past the grave. So make them the best you can. I know that my favorite memory I have of any family thing so far was this last summer when we went to D.C. I will forever cherish those memories and hope to have more in the future. I hope the other kids can enjoy they same feelings of love and friendship as I did.
Well gotta go. I love you all!! Travel safely and look for me on the field if you ever go by the MTC.
Love always,
Sorella Heiner
Friday, July 1, 2011
Week 3
Hey family and friends,
How is everyone? I looked for Garrett/Mike/Kienes this afternoon but I didn't see them. :-( It stinks having p-day on Wednesday because our scheduled temple session is 11:00 and so we come back just in time to see all the missionaries saying bye to their families and it is so depressing! It makes me want to cry for them because I remember how much it hurt saying bye to the family at the same curb. It seems like it was only yesterday.
That's exciting you got to go to CA with your sisters, mom. I bet the cold weather was refreshing. I am sorry you didn't dress warm enough.
When are you all going to be up here for the reunion so I can keep my eyes peeled when I am at gym time. We usually go play four square or sand volleyball outside, so if you happen to go to the temple or drive by during those times, we might see each other.
So the mission presidents took over most of the MTC. They blocked off half of our cafeteria and had nice dinners with waiters and such. It wasn't very fair. And security would jump at anyone that got even close to where any general authorities were. It made me feel like a criminal in my own home. Not a great feeling, especially because the MTC is sort of a prison anyway. Friday night we got to hear from Elder Bednar and on the stands were Elders Anderson, Scott, Holland, Ballard, Nelson, and Oaks and Elders Rasband and Gonzolas of the presidency of the 70. I saw Sister Beck too and her husband came to visit my district in our classroom because he served in Italy and loves italy. It made us feel special.
Sunday I was made the Coordinating Sister of my branch. It's basically like the Zone Leader of the sisters/Relief Society President. Kind of an overwhelming calling with lots of meetings and responsibilities, but I am honored that the Lord puts that much trust in me. Must mean I am capable of it.
This week hasn't been productive at all because Sorella Foote has been struggling really bad. She hit an ultimate low Sunday and so I suggested she go see someone on Monday about it. So we went to the Clinic and she met with a counselor. He's a super nice guy and made her feel alot better but she went back on Tuesday. After that meeting, she found out she has an anxiety problem and she's been in and out of appointments the last 3 days and has been given some medications. It's been really hard for her and also for Sister Dall and I. We just feel so bad that we can't help her more. So our focus lately has been on helping her and not as much on learning and studying and teaching. It's hard, but our teachers understand.
Well that's about it for this week lately. Oh ya...the older two districts left for the field yesterday. Now there are only two districts and we are the oldest ones. The next group of missionaries for Italy come July 20th.
Gotta go. Love you all so much! Thanks for the prayers and continue to pray for me and especially for my companions.
Love,
Sorella Heiner
How is everyone? I looked for Garrett/Mike/Kienes this afternoon but I didn't see them. :-( It stinks having p-day on Wednesday because our scheduled temple session is 11:00 and so we come back just in time to see all the missionaries saying bye to their families and it is so depressing! It makes me want to cry for them because I remember how much it hurt saying bye to the family at the same curb. It seems like it was only yesterday.
That's exciting you got to go to CA with your sisters, mom. I bet the cold weather was refreshing. I am sorry you didn't dress warm enough.
When are you all going to be up here for the reunion so I can keep my eyes peeled when I am at gym time. We usually go play four square or sand volleyball outside, so if you happen to go to the temple or drive by during those times, we might see each other.
So the mission presidents took over most of the MTC. They blocked off half of our cafeteria and had nice dinners with waiters and such. It wasn't very fair. And security would jump at anyone that got even close to where any general authorities were. It made me feel like a criminal in my own home. Not a great feeling, especially because the MTC is sort of a prison anyway. Friday night we got to hear from Elder Bednar and on the stands were Elders Anderson, Scott, Holland, Ballard, Nelson, and Oaks and Elders Rasband and Gonzolas of the presidency of the 70. I saw Sister Beck too and her husband came to visit my district in our classroom because he served in Italy and loves italy. It made us feel special.
Sunday I was made the Coordinating Sister of my branch. It's basically like the Zone Leader of the sisters/Relief Society President. Kind of an overwhelming calling with lots of meetings and responsibilities, but I am honored that the Lord puts that much trust in me. Must mean I am capable of it.
This week hasn't been productive at all because Sorella Foote has been struggling really bad. She hit an ultimate low Sunday and so I suggested she go see someone on Monday about it. So we went to the Clinic and she met with a counselor. He's a super nice guy and made her feel alot better but she went back on Tuesday. After that meeting, she found out she has an anxiety problem and she's been in and out of appointments the last 3 days and has been given some medications. It's been really hard for her and also for Sister Dall and I. We just feel so bad that we can't help her more. So our focus lately has been on helping her and not as much on learning and studying and teaching. It's hard, but our teachers understand.
Well that's about it for this week lately. Oh ya...the older two districts left for the field yesterday. Now there are only two districts and we are the oldest ones. The next group of missionaries for Italy come July 20th.
Gotta go. Love you all so much! Thanks for the prayers and continue to pray for me and especially for my companions.
Love,
Sorella Heiner
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